If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show at any meal, you’ve just found it: Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes. This recipe takes the comfort of traditional mashed potatoes and elevates it to pure bliss with the addition of nutty brown butter, creamy parmesan, and a hint of horseradish. Trust me; this is the kind of dish that will make you the star of family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

What makes this recipe special? It’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare. You can whip it up quickly on a busy night or take your time with it when hosting friends and family. Either way, these mashed potatoes will earn you rave reviews!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The brown butter adds a rich, nutty taste that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into something extraordinary.
Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you’ll have a creamy side dish ready in no time—perfect for any skill level!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves mashed potatoes! This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these potatoes in advance and heat them up before serving, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Thankfully, this recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:

5 pounds red potatoes (chopped into equal size pieces)
1/3 cup milk (more as needed)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 & 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
2-3 tablespoons parsley (fresh, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried)
1/3 cup Parmesan (grated)
1 to 5 teaspoons horseradish sauce (taste it!)
3/4 cup butter

Variations

This recipe is so flexible! Feel free to get creative with your Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add some cheese: Mix in different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda for a cheesy twist.
Herb it up: Try adding fresh herbs like chives or thyme for an aromatic touch.
Make it lighter: Substitute some of the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor while cutting down on fat.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Scrub the red potatoes clean and chop them into even-sized pieces—about 1 to 2 inches works well. The smaller they are, the faster they’ll cook! Once boiling, add your chopped potatoes and lower the heat to medium. Let them simmer until fork-tender, which usually takes about 20-35 minutes depending on their size.

Step 2: Drain and Mash

Once your potatoes are tender, drain the water and return them to the pot or transfer them to a large bowl. Now comes the fun part! Add in your milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash everything together until creamy. Don’t forget to add horseradish sauce—start with one teaspoon and adjust according to your taste!

Step 3: Brown the Butter

In a separate pot or skillet over medium heat, add your butter. Stir every minute or so as it melts; soon you’ll notice it foaming. Keep an eye on it! The butter will turn brown and develop tiny specks at the bottom—it should smell nutty too. Once it reaches this point, pour it into a bowl immediately. This stops further cooking and prevents burning.

Step 4: Serve with Style

Now that everything is ready, you can either mix all that glorious brown butter right into your mashed potatoes or let everyone drizzle their own over each serving—you know I’m all about that drizzle life! Enjoy these heavenly Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes as they elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Making the perfect Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes is all about the details, and I’ve got some tips to help you shine in the kitchen.

Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture. They hold their shape well and result in a smoother mash.
Don’t rush the browning process: When browning the butter, patience is key. It may take a few minutes, but that nutty aroma and flavor will elevate your mashed potatoes to gourmet status!
Adjust consistency as needed: Every potato is different! If your mashed potatoes feel too thick, gradually add more milk until you reach your desired creaminess.
Taste as you go: This is where you can make it uniquely yours! Don’t hesitate to adjust salt, pepper, or horseradish levels according to your preference for an extra kick.
Let the butter cool slightly before mixing: If you add very hot butter directly into the potatoes, it can make them gluey. Allow it to cool just a bit so it blends smoothly.

How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Now that you’ve mastered these delicious mashed potatoes, it’s time to think about how you’ll present them at your next meal. Here are some ideas that will truly impress!

Garnishes

Chopped chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a pop of color and subtle onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes.
Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of cracked pepper adds visual appeal and a touch of spice, enhancing the overall taste without overwhelming it.
Extra Parmesan: Grate some additional Parmesan over the top just before serving for an indulgent finish that cheese lovers will adore.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts: The caramelized edges of roasted Brussels sprouts provide a delightful contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes while adding a nutritious boost.
Honey-glazed carrots: Sweet and colorful, honey-glazed carrots bring warmth and sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory mashed potatoes.
Grilled asparagus: The bright green spears of grilled asparagus offer a fresh crunch that balances out the richness of this comforting dish.
Garlic herb chicken: Marinated and grilled chicken breast infused with garlic and herbs makes for a satisfying protein option that complements every bite of those buttery mashed potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only create incredible Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes but also elevate your entire meal experience. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, ensuring you have a delightful side dish ready to go whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mashed potatoes before sealing the container.

Freezing

Scoop the cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
For easier thawing, consider portioning them into smaller amounts.

Reheating

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk as needed to restore creaminess.
Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, stirring every minute until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes that might help you out!

Can I make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these mashed potatoes a day in advance. Just follow the storing instructions above to keep them fresh and flavorful.

How do I make my Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes creamier?

To achieve even creamier Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, add more milk or sour cream while mashing. Adjust according to your preferred texture!

What can I serve with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or your favorite plant-based protein. They’re versatile enough for any meal!

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While red potatoes give a great texture, feel free to experiment with Yukon Gold or even russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes as I am! They’re rich, creamy, and packed with flavor that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking, and may your meals always be filled with love and laughter!